subject: Factors to Consider When Looking for a Guitar Teacher [print this page] Factors to Consider When Looking for a Guitar Teacher
Music Education
When interviewing a potential mentor, ask about his or her formal training, or if he or she was part of a guitar master class. Now a good teacher doesn't have to be a guitar virtuoso but he or she should have a solid background in basic guitar playing styles, techniques, and music theory.
Teaching Experience
A good option would be someone who has been in the teaching industry for years. A highly experienced mentor is more adept in handling typical guitar playing problems and mistakes and in teaching new techniques to their students. As much as possible, choose an instructor who has more than five years of handling guitar classes.
Current Number of Students
A potential instructor who is currently handling plenty of students can be both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because that teacher is probably good at what he or she's doing that's why many students have chosen him or her as a mentor. However, if a teacher has too many students, it'll be hard for him to focus on you and give you the attention you'll need especially if you're just a beginner student.
Music Style
Avoid guitar teachers who claim that they are experts in different music styles. If you're interested in learning a specific genre, it's best to stick to a teacher who's an expert in that particular style. So if you want to learn classical guitar, look for a teacher whose specialty is classical music. If you want to learn the basics of rock guitar, a guitar teacher with lots of experience in teaching rock music is the best choice.
Other Tips
Other things you have to take note of are the schedules and location for the guitar lessonsand the payment options. If you prefer private guitar lessonsat home, look for a qualified teacher who offers such services. However, at-home lessons may cost you more because you'll have to consider your teacher's travel expenses. If you want a more formal learning environment, there are many guitar teachers who hold classes at music studios. When it comes to payment policies, keep in mind that some instructors prefer a lump sum payment or a per-lesson arrangement. If you can't afford paying the teacher in lump sum, try to negotiate or find another one who's ok with per-lesson payments.
Also inquire about cancellation requirements or fees and free trial sessions. If you feel like you and the teacher won't jive, don't force yourself to join that class and look for another option. A good teacher should be able to offer free trial classes so you can determine if the teaching style and lesson flow fits your personality and goals as a future guitarist. Once you've found the right teacher for your guitar lessons, you'll have someone who can properly guide you through difficult topics and encourage you to discover your potential.
